I was too scared to not be a good girl. (I'm over 50 !!! but felt like a child). Being connected to all the tubes, not able to speak and hardly able to move I was conscience of not causing any waves or getting the nurses off side in case it went against me.
Even to the point of waiting a little too long to press the buzzer for suction of the trach tube on occasion.
Stupid isn�t it but I have never felt so helpless in my whole life.
First attempt at having a shower around 6 days later was also another fun experience but luckily had my favourite nurse for this adventure.
Gabriele

History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.

1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family